Messi's Hat-Trick Propels Argentina to Dominant World Cup Start, Equalling All-Time Goal Record
Lionel Messi's historic performance in Kansas City puts Argentina atop Group J, while France and Norway also secured strong opening victories in Group I.
The story
Defending champions Argentina kicked off their World Cup campaign with a resounding 3-0 victory over Algeria at Kansas City Stadium, largely thanks to a sensational hat-trick from captain Lionel Messi. The 38-year-old opened his account in the 17th minute, followed by another goal in the 60th, and completed his first-ever World Cup hat-trick in the 76th minute.
This remarkable feat not only secured a crucial three points for La Albiceleste but also saw Messi draw level with Germany's Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 16 goals. His dazzling display ensured a comfortable start for Argentina, who now lead Group J and set an early benchmark for their title defense.
Yesterday's results
Iran vs New Zealand
Score: 2-2
Key: Elijah Just scored twice for New Zealand; Rezaeian and Mohebi equalized for Iran in a thrilling draw in Los Angeles.
France vs Senegal
Score: 3-1
Key: Kylian Mbappe scored a brace, becoming France's all-time leading scorer, as Les Bleus beat Senegal in New Jersey.
Iraq vs Norway
Score: 1-4
Key: Erling Haaland scored two goals on his World Cup debut, leading Norway to a dominant victory over Iraq in Foxborough.
Argentina vs Algeria
Score: 3-0
Key: Lionel Messi's hat-trick secured a comfortable win for Argentina in Kansas City, also equalling the all-time World Cup goal record.
Austria vs Jordan
Score: 3-1
Key: Austria secured an important win against Jordan in San Francisco Bay, placing them second in Group J.
Where it stands
Following a dynamic day of matches, Group J sees defending champions Argentina leading with 3 points and a +3 goal difference after their 3-0 win over Algeria. Austria also secured 3 points with a 3-1 victory against Jordan, placing them second on goal difference.
In Group I, both Norway and France opened with strong performances, each on 3 points; Norway holds the top spot with a +3 goal difference after beating Iraq 4-1, while France is second with a +2 goal difference from their 3-1 win against Senegal. Meanwhile, Group G remains tight after Iran and New Zealand played out a 2-2 draw, leaving both teams on 1 point.
Off the pitch
| Player | From | To | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan Paul van Hecke | Brighton | Tottenham | €60 million |
| Manu Kone | AS Roma | Arsenal | €50 million |
What we'll be watching
- 2026-06-17T08:00Z — Austria vs Jordan [World Cup], World Cup 2026 (Group J), Santa Clara
- 2026-06-17T17:00Z — Portugal vs DR Congo [World Cup], World Cup 2026 (Group K), Houston
- 2026-06-17T20:00Z — England vs Croatia [World Cup], World Cup 2026 (Group L), Arlington
- 2026-06-18T03:00Z — Ghana vs Panama [World Cup], World Cup 2026 (Group L), Toronto
- 2026-06-18T06:00Z — Uzbekistan vs Colombia [World Cup], World Cup 2026 (Group K), Mexico City
- 2026-06-18T20:00Z — Czechia vs South Africa [World Cup], World Cup 2026 (Group A), Atlanta
Reporting + analyst voices: grounded via Google Search at publish time.